Pet dental care at South Fraser Animal Hospital helps dogs and cats in Abbotsford, BC maintain healthy mouths and avoid the pain and systemic effects of untreated oral disease. Most pets over three years old have some degree of dental disease, often without any visible signs at home. Regular dental exams and professional cleanings are the most reliable way to stay ahead of it and protect your pet’s overall health.
Professional dental cleanings remove the plaque and tartar buildup that daily brushing cannot reach. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia to allow safe, thorough cleaning above and below the gumline, where bacteria accumulate and cause bone loss over time. Our team evaluates the entire mouth during the cleaning and notes any concerns that may need further attention. Most dogs and cats benefit from a professional cleaning at least once a year, though some breeds and individuals require more frequent care.
When a tooth is fractured, extensively diseased, or no longer viable, extraction removes the source of pain and prevents infection from spreading. Many pet owners notice a significant improvement in their dog or cat after an extraction, including better appetite, increased energy, and a more relaxed demeanor. We take dental X-rays before extraction to assess root condition and surrounding bone and ensure the procedure is as complete and safe as possible.
Dental X-rays reveal what a surface examination alone cannot show, including root fractures, bone loss beneath the gumline, retained roots, and cysts. We take intraoral X-rays during every dental procedure at our clinic to ensure no concern goes undetected. This level of assessment allows us to make informed decisions about which teeth can be preserved and which require intervention, rather than relying on visual inspection alone.
Scaling removes hardened tartar, also called calculus, from tooth surfaces using ultrasonic and hand instruments. This process clears bacteria-laden deposits from above and below the gumline that contribute to gum disease and tooth loss when left in place over time. Scaling is performed as part of every dental cleaning and gives our team the opportunity to evaluate the health of each individual tooth and the surrounding tissue in detail.
After scaling, polishing smooths the tooth surface to slow the return of plaque between visits. A smoother surface gives bacteria fewer places to adhere, extending the benefit of the professional cleaning. Polishing is included as a final step in every dental cleaning and takes only a few minutes to complete.
A thorough oral health assessment evaluates every tooth, the gums, palate, tongue, and other oral structures for signs of disease, trauma, or abnormality. Our team performs an oral exam at every wellness visit, forming the basis for recommendations about professional cleanings, extractions, or other follow-up care. Catching oral masses, broken teeth, or gum changes early allows for intervention before the condition progresses.
A dental prophylaxis is a complete preventive dental procedure that combines a full oral examination, scaling, polishing, and assessment in one visit. It is especially valuable for pets who have not had professional dental care recently or those who are prone to rapid tartar buildup. A dental prophylactic resets oral health and provides a clear baseline for ongoing monitoring.
Complex dental procedures, including surgical extractions requiring sectioning or flap elevation, are performed under anesthesia by our veterinary team. For information about surgical protocols, anesthesia, and pre-surgical care, please see our Surgical Services page.
A thorough oral health assessment evaluates every tooth, the gums, palate, tongue, and other oral structures for signs of disease, trauma, or abnormality. Our team performs an oral exam at every wellness visit, forming the basis for recommendations about professional cleanings, extractions, or other follow-up care. Catching oral masses, broken teeth, or gum changes early allows for intervention before the condition progresses.
Common signs include bad breath, yellow or brown buildup on the teeth, red or bleeding gums, drooling, dropping food, or reduced interest in chewing. Many pets hide dental discomfort, so regular exams are important even when no obvious signs are present at home.
Most adult dogs and cats benefit from a cleaning once a year. Small-breed dogs, brachycephalic breeds, and cats prone to dental disease may need more frequent care. We assess dental health at every wellness visit and recommend cleanings based on what we observe.
Yes. Anesthesia allows thorough cleaning of all tooth surfaces, accurate X-rays, and a comfortable, still patient throughout the procedure. Vital signs are monitored continuously. Pre-anesthetic bloodwork is available and helps us identify any underlying concerns before proceeding.
Yes, and we encourage it. Daily brushing with a pet-safe toothpaste and a soft brush or finger brush is the most effective way to slow plaque buildup between professional cleanings. We are happy to demonstrate the technique at your next visit.
Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures supporting the teeth, including the gums, ligaments, and bone. It begins with plaque and tartar buildup, progresses to gingivitis, and in advanced stages causes bone loss and tooth loss. It has also been linked to systemic health effects in dogs and cats.
Protect your pet’s oral health at South Fraser Animal Hospital in Abbotsford. Book a dental exam at southfraseranimalhospital.com/make-an-appointment/ or call (604) 855-0770. Open seven days a week.
